Occult hypoxemia in the ICU: Clinical risk factors, mortality and implications for nursing practice.
BACKGROUND Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) is the primary tool used by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses to monitor oxygenation. Occult hypoxemia - a reassuring SpO₂ despite low arterial saturation (SaO₂) - is a critical patient-safety concern. OBJECTIVES To measure SpO₂-SaO₂ discordance in ICU patients, identify situations in...